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Top aide of George Bush believes Saddam is dead
White House chief of staff Andrew Card told an online audience that he believes Saddam is dead.
White House chief of staff Andrew Card told an online audience that he believes Saddam Hussein has been killed.
Card made the statement as he launched a new interactive feature on the White House Web site on Wednesday in which Internet users around the world had the chance to question one of President Bush's most-powerful aides on any topic they liked.
Of course, he got to choose which questions to answer.
But Card did not shy away from difficult topics, taking queries on such topics as the United States' commitment to civilians hurt during the hostilities in Iraq, tensions with North Korea, wartime protests, and the role of nations that didn't support the US - led war in Iraq's postwar future.
One e-mail asked if there was any new information on the deposed Iraqi leader's location and if the war in Iraq could be deemed successful without Saddam Hussein's death or capture.
"I think he is dead. The good news is that his regime is no longer a threat to the people of Iraq nor to the US or our allies," replied Card, who ignored the second half of the question.
Saddam's whereabouts are unknown. Other US officials have said they don't know if he is dead or alive.
Another message asked if the administration would do everything possible to prevent looted treasures from Iraq's museums from going on the open market.
War commander Gen. Tommy Franks, Card said, "is working with Iraqi leaders to encourage people who have come across stolen good to return them so the treasures of Iraq will be there for generations to come.
